Seniors ‘Make A Difference’ in lives of young students

Make A Difference Club member Lauren Meyer receives a hug from a student.

In honor of Make A Difference In A Child’s Life Month, Palace Royale residents recently delivered back-to-school supplies to the Children’s Home Society, one of Florida’s oldest private not-for-profit organizations providing services to children and families.

The assisted living residents are part of The Palace Royale’s newly formed Make A Difference Club, which was created to give back to the community at large and support South Florida charities.

“Regardless of their age and physical limitations, our residents have so much wisdom, love and compassion to offer others,” said entertainment director Pamela Parker, who organizes the club. “They want to contribute and still be a vital part of society.”

Backpacks filled with calculators, dictionaries, composition books, glue, scissors, highlighters, markers, pencils, granola bars and water bottles were assembled by the group’s 12 members. Children’s Home Society will provide the bags to children awaiting foster care or adoption.

“We’re so fortunate to live a wonderful lifestyle at The Palace and we understand the importance of ‘paying it forward,’” said resident Doris Feibelman. “The future of the world is in the hands of the young. We hope our assistance will leave a legacy that will have a positive ripple effect for the next generation.”

A special touch was the personal message residents wrote for each child receiving a backpack. One note read, “Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.”

“The notes exemplify the spirit of our residents,” Parker added. “This was the perfect opportunity to kick off our campaign of giving back.”

The club plans to complete four community service projects each year and the next initiative will be geared to the homeless during Thanksgiving.

Located at 11355 SW 84 St., The Palace Royale features “catered living,” a new concept offering all the services of traditional assisted living with special emphasis on residents’ cognitive abilities.